Suwanee Magazine Nov - Dec 2017

Lanier Islands Celebrates 25 Years of the Magical Nights of Lights NOV / DEC 17

Welcome to Y�allywood RESTAURANT SPOTLIGHT:

La Madeleine French Bakery & Café

GEORGIA NEW #1 FILMING LOCATION IN THE WORLD

Southern Holiday - The Truex sisters sport their new holiday outfits from Bella Blue Boutique photographed at Lanier Islands Legacy Lodge

Traditions

y

a id l o H Readers reminisce about their favorite Thanksgiving l ide a u Gu and Christmas customs and recipes n n ift A ur G O

NOV / DEC ‘17

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19 Investment Strategies

Aileron Investment Advisors help you determine what type of life insurance you need.

20 Brand-Aid with VDG

Veugeler Design Group proves that brick-and-mortar stores can still outsell online retail giants this holiday season with targeted, localized marketing tactics.

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Lanier Islands’ Magical Nights of Lights

PHOTO COURTESY LANIER ISLANDS RESORT

Millions of bulbs transform Lanier Islands into a twinkling, magnificent landscape complete with a wintry Santa’s Holiday Village every evening from Nov 17th – Jan 3rd.

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Gingerbread Festival

A weeklong community celebration hosted

by Suwanee Academy of the Arts that includes a gingerbread house contest, The Nutcracker ballet performances and a Nutcracker Tea.

PHOTO COURTESY SUWANEE ACADEMY OF THE ARTS

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Welcome to Y'allywood!

Did you know that Georgia is currently the number one filming location in the world, outpacing longstanding frontrunner California as the top location for feature film production?

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Southern Holiday Traditions Our readers and friends share their favorite Thanksgiving and Christmas memories and recipes.

thrive

PHOTO BY TIM DRYDEN

35 Get Fit Challenge Returns!

Are you ready to get fit? We are searching for six local contestants who want to kick off the new year with a free gym membership and commitment to our three-month Get Fit Challenge.

38 Ask Henry

Henry the Golden Retriever from Sugar Hill Animal Hospital answers our readers questions in each issue, including whether or not your dogs need flu shots and how cold is too cold for them to be outside.

42 Family Matters

Laura Lebovitz, LMFT, advises on how to manage the inevitable stress that comes with the holiday season.

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8 Ways to Give Back

From donating a toy to a child who may not get a visit from Santa, to helping prepare a meal for a family who might otherwise go without, we have compiled 8 ways to give back this holiday season.

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Holiday Gift Guide

Gift ideas and exclusive deals from your favorite local shops to make your shopping experience easier this year.

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La Madeleine French Bakery & CafĂŠ

Buford cafe offers an authentic Parisian dining experience.

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Holiday Beer & Wine

Planning a special dinner or holiday party? Claire from Beverage SuperStore shared some of her go-to crowd pleasers for every occasion.

in every issue: 8 Editor’s Letter 65 Restaurant Guide 74 The Buzz 80 People & Places 86 Event Calendar

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letter

a note from our managing editor

Sausage balls & coffee cake...

Rachel Pillow

Managing Editor rachel@suwaneemagazine.com

If you’re looking to “support local” this holiday season then be sure to check out our annual Holiday Gift Guide on page 48 for some of the best gifts and deals in the area. If you want to support the community in other ways, we’ve got you covered too in our “8 Ways to Give Back” article on page 32.

Whether you are looking to donate time or resources, we have highlighted some of the most pressing needs of our community. Even with our busy schedules, it is always important to take the time to help others, especially during Thanksgiving and the holiday season when hardships can be even harder without a support system. We, at Suwanee Magazine, have decided that giving back will be our “office family” tradition each year and we hope that others are inspired to do the same.

Lanier Islands Celebrates 25 Years of the Magical Nights of Lights

S U W A N E E M AG A Z I N E

SOUTHERN HOLIDAY TRADITIONS • MAGICAL NIGHTS OF LIGHTS • LA MADELEINE FRENCH BAKERY & CAFE

Welcome to Y�allywood

RESTAURANT SPOTLIGHT:

La Madeleine French Bakery & Café

GEORGIA NEW #1 FILMING LOCATION IN THE WORLD

Southern Holiday

Traditions Speaking of traditions, we asked readers, once again, to share their special holiday customs and ON THE COVER: recipes and compiled a great list of “Southern The Truex sisters Holiday Traditions” for you on page 22. Whenever photographed at Lanier Islands Legacy Lodge I think of Christmas morning I think of my mom’s on October 8th by Tim Dryden. Outfits courtesy streusel-topped coffee cake that we serve warm Bella Blue Boutique. with a bowl of berries, and of course plenty of hot coffee. We open our stockings first and then take a coffee cake break before moving onto the presents under the tree.

Apparently coffee cake is not an unusual holiday tradition as you’ll see by the different coffee cake recipes that epitomize Christmas morning for two of our readers’ families. Once my (very Southern) husband started joining us for Christmas morning five years ago he ushered in the tradition of sausage balls to accompany our coffee cake ritual. I’m sorry to admit that I had never even heard of a sausage ball while growing up in California, until I moved to Georgia six years ago. But now, we will never turn back.

NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2017

he holidays are here! It’s the most wonderful, joyous, family-filled (and stressful) time of year.

Wait, what was that last part? Don’t get me wrong, the holidays are a ton of fun, but with them comes a mile long "To Do" and "To Buy” list. Thankfully, our friend and licensed marriage and family therapist, Laura Lebovitz, offered some tips on page 42 for coping with the ever-common stress and anxiety that accompanies the holiday season. I know I’ll be referencing this article throughout the next month or so.

NOV / DEC 17

- The Truex sisters sport their new holiday outfits from Bella Blue Boutique photographed at Lanier Islands Legacy Lodge

ay

d oli H e al id nu Gu An ift ur G

Readers reminisce about their favorite Thanksgiving and Christmas customs and recipes

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I hope you have a very merry, sausage ball and coffee cake kind of holiday season too.

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ANGELA VEUGELER President / Editor-in-Chief angela@suwaneemagazine.com RANDALL VEUGELER Vice President and Publisher RACHEL PILLOW Managing Editor rachel@suwaneemagazine.com NATALIE STUBBS Ads Manager ads@suwaneemagazine.com

Creative Director RANDALL VEUGELER Art Director ERICA ABRAMS Writer ALICIA CARTER Production Manager LAURA PAYNE Web Editors WALT WOODEN • CLARKE GLIDEWELL Digital Marketing Manager PRISCILLA SALMASI Graphic Design APRIL MILLER • SHAY HARBAUGH BRIAN HASSINGER • LAURA GRANT Photographers KARL LAMB • JULIE PERDUE WALT WOODEN

Sales JULIE PERDUE julie@suwaneemagazine.com

PUBLISHED BY VEUGELER DESIGN GROUP 554 W. Main Street, Suite 200, Buford, GA 30518 SuwaneeMagazine.com

For SUBSCRIPTION INQUIRIES or BACK ISSUE ORDERS, call 678-482-2270.

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Suwanee Magazine is published bi-monthly by Veugeler Design Group.

Opinions expressed by the contributing writers and editors are not necessarily those of the publisher, editor or Suwanee Magazine. The publisher will not accept responsibility for submitted materials that are lost or stolen. Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of this publication. However, the publisher cannot assume responsibility for errors or ommissions. No part of this book may be reproduced in any manner whatsoever without written permission. ©2017 Veugeler Design Group. The editors welcome unsolicited manuscripts and photographs. Please email submissions to Rachel Pillow at rachel@suwaneemagazine.com.

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5th ANNUAL

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grow elcome to suwanee business community news and info.

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Jennifer Lawrence as  Katness Everdeen in The Hunger Games: Mockingjay

tesy Photo Cour

Netflix

Photo by Murray Close

Noah Schnapp, FInn Wolfhard, Gaten Matarazzo, Caleb Mclaughlin from Stranger Things.

 Grant Show and Nathalie Kelley in new CW series Dynasty filmed in Suwanee.

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Photo by Gene Page/ AMC

 Khary Payton as Ezekiel in The Walking Dead

DID YOU KNOW THAT GEORGIA IS CURRENTLY THE NUMBER ONE FILMING LOCATION IN THE WORLD? According to FilmL.A.’s annual report, the state of Georgia has outpaced the longstanding frontrunner, California, as the top location for feature film production. In the year 2016 alone, 245 total movie and television productions, including 17 feature films were shot in Georgia. Did you also know that filming of the new CW series Dynasty has taken place in Suwanee? To learn why “Y’allywood” has become the new Hollywood, read on...

Story by Rachel Pillow / Pictures courtesy Explore Gwinnett 13

THE FILM AND TV INDUSTRY IS RESPONSIBLE FOR MORE THAN 85,300 JOBS AND NEARLY $4.2 BILLION IN TOTAL WAGES IN GEORGIA. - Motion Picture Association of America

n the fiscal year 2017, the Georgia TV and film industry generated an economic impact of $9.5 billion, including $2.7 billion in direct spending. In 2010, the award-winning AMC series, The Walking Dead, helped put Atlanta on the map as a TV and film destination and since then the unrivaled statewide tax credit incentives have only fueled that growth.

The film and TV industry is responsible for more than 85,300 jobs and nearly $4.2 billion in total wages in Georgia, according to the Motion Picture Association of America.

The economic impact that the industry has had statewide, citywide and countywide is tremendous. And, while the City of Atlanta is currently the world’s fastest growing TV and film destination, more and more of those productions are making their way up Suwanee Town Center Park was I-85 North to Gwinnett. transformed into a winter wonderland for Gwinnett is home to two major studios the filming of a holiday scene for the 2017 and more in the works: Atlanta Media series premier of CW series Dynasty.

 Robert Redford on the set of A Walk in the Woods during filming in Norcross, Georgia. The film is about two hikers, Robert Redford and Nick Nolte, and their trek to complete the Appalachian Trail. While parts of it were filmed on the actual trail, most of the production took place in Gwinnett, including areas of Buford, Georgia.

Campus & Studios and Eagle Rock Studios in Norcross – which boasts the largest stage complex under one roof in the country.

We met with Lisa Anders, the Executive Director of Explore Gwinnett, and the first point of contact when a location manager is looking to film in the county, for an inside scoop. Anders receives about 4-5 location requests a week. “I receive requests that range from an empty school to a courtroom, to a deserted road with a gas station at the end of it, to a haunted house in the middle of the woods,” said Anders. Currently, nearly 70 TV shows and movies are being filmed in Georgia. At any given point there are over 40 productions being filmed in the state with more than half being filmed in and around Gwinnett County. One of the reasons Gwinnett has seen such a recent boom in film production is because of its “proactive

SOME OF THE MOVIES AND TV SHOWS FILMED IN GWINNETT COUNTY THAT YOU MAY RECOGNIZE: The Netflix series starring Jason Bateman was filmed in Duluth, Braselton, Norcross and Lawrenceville.

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The Netflix series Stranger Things has filmed in Lawrenceville.

Photo by Jackson Davis/Netflix

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 Members of the cast of CW’s Dynasty during production in Suwanee. Front row (L to R): Elizabeth Gillies as Fallon, Wakeema Hollis as Monica and Sam Adegoke as Jeff.  Jennifer Aniston with cast and crew of hit movie, Mother’s Day, including Director Garry Marshall (far left). Mother’s Day was the final movie from Director, Garry Marshall, who passed away shortly after the April 2016 release date.

Emma Thompson (back, center) on set with cast and crew from 2015 film, A Walk in the Woods. 

approach,” plus a firm commitment and cooperation from City officials.

Earlier this year, in September, you may have noticed Suwanee Town Center Park being transformed into a winter wonderland (while it was 90 degrees outside). This was for the filming of a new CW series called Dynasty, - Atlanta Journal Constitution whose filming has taken place primarily in Suwanee at a home near North Gwinnett High School. The series, a reboot on the 1980s original,

CURRENTLY, NEARLY 70 TV SHOWS AND MOVIES ARE BEING FILMED IN GEORGIA.

Den of Thieves is an  upcoming American heist action thriller film featuring Gerard Butler and rapper 50 Cent. It is set to release on January 19, 2018, with filming taking place in Gwinnett.

Fast & Furious 7 starring Vin Diesel filmed in a few locations in Gwinnett County.

FOX’s Sleepy Hollow was filmed at the Gwinnett historic courthouse in Lawrenceville.

Photo by Tina Rowden/FOX

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premiered on October 11, 2017 on the CW and on Netflix internationally, one day later.

The Atlanta area has seen an influx of aspiring actors and actresses in  Gerard Butler with staff at Fumi Hibachi Sushi & Bar in Duluth, during the filming of a recent years as restaurant scene in upcoming action thriller film, Den of Thieves. more and more productions industry. The program connects film move to this area. “It just made and TV productions with county sense for me to move here,” said liaisons, like Lisa Anders, who actress Catherine Parker, who can provide local expertise and recently relocated after a ten-year support. “Being a camera ready stint in Los Angeles. “I really liked community is very important to us.

Atlanta when I traveled here for Currently I have about 50 unique the filming of Halt and Catch filming locations in Gwinnett and Fire,” Parker said, “and lately a am actively growing that database,” lot of my friends in the industry said Anders. “Sometimes I’ll be have noticed too that you go to an driving down the road and happen audition in LA for them to then tell to see something that would be you that the filming is going to take perfect for a film, so we’ll go out place in Atlanta,” she continued. and take photos and upload those The state of Georgia created to the state film database,” she the “Camera Ready Program” to continued. “They (the film crew) accommodate the booming film always try to support and buy local when they can,” said Anders. So, she makes sure that the entire process is as seamless as possible for them by coordinating with the fire marshal’s office and police for permitting, lane closure, etc. Explore Gwinnett is the official tourism and destination marketing for Gwinnett County with a mission to showcase that Gwinnett offers something you can’t find anywhere else… and that includes distinct places and memorable destinations that you will see on many of your favorite TV shows and movies. ■

 Actress Catherine Parker recently relocated from Los Angeles to Atlanta because of the tremendous amount of opportunities in television and film taking place in the greater Atlanta area.

Catherine Parker as Amy in TV series, Halt and Catch Fire. 

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Are your marketing materials as cringe-worthy as Aunt Judith’s fruitcake?

We can help.

Maybe not with that fruitcake thing though… she’s your Aunt, you probably still have to eat it.

Veugeler Design Group 678-482-2270 vdgatl.com

INVESTMENT

Strategies

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BY: Bill and Cindi Porter, AILERON INVESTMENT ADVISORS

How do I know what type of life insurance I need?

First, you need to determine how long you will need it.

There are two basic types of insurance: temporary and permanent, with many variations within each type. Temporary needs call for temporary coverage (1, 5, 10 or 20 year terms etc.). “Term” life insurance has the lowest premiums because the short durations mean the policy will probably not result in a death claim. However, it is critical that the term chosen is adequate.

The uncertainty in selecting the best “term” of coverage is one reason some people opt for permanent insurance instead. If maintained, “permanent” insurance will become a death claim one day, so the insurance companies must price it accordingly. This results in much higher premiums.

However, because of the social benefits that life insurance proceeds provide to beneficiaries, Congress has given permanent and term life insurance a major tax benefit: in most cases, the death proceeds are paid TAX-FREE. Additionally, permanent policies have a cash value account which grows TAXDEFERRED. The government is trying to motivate us to cover the financial needs of our families and businesses in the event of our premature demise.

Two additional key items to consider when buying life insurance are age and health. The younger one is at the time he or she obtains a life insurance policy, the lower their premiums will be. Health is also a major consideration. Insurance companies will not accept high risk applicants. However, once a person already owns a life insurance policy, the insurance companies are not allowed to drop their coverage.

If there is a need, there is no substitute for life insurance. A discussion with your advisor can help you determine if you have a need, and the best way to insure it. ■ This is for education only. Before using this information in any way discuss it with a financial professional. There are many risks associated with stock trading. You may lose some or all of your financial investment. Securities offered through Dempsey Lord Smith, LLC Member FINRA/SIPC. Securities offered through Integrated Financial Planning Member FINRA/SIPC. Advisory services offered through Dempsey Lord Smith, LLC.

Send your investment questions to: submissions@SuwaneeMagazine.com All the information in this letter is published in good faith and for general information purposes only. We do not make any warranties about the completeness, reliability and accuracy of this information. Any action you take upon the information is strictly at your own risk.

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BRAND-AID

MARKETING TIPS FROM VEUGELER DESIGN GROUP

BRICK-AND-MORTAR TIPS:

4 Ways to Outsell Online Retailers this Holiday Season By: ALICIA CARTER Content Marketing Manager, Veugeler Design Group VDGatl.com

ven in the age of Amazon, it’s still possible for brick-andmortar stores to compete with online retailers.

With the right marketing game plan, businesses can increase foot traffic to their stores with online engagement and incentives, and then provide a personalized shopping experience that e-commerce sites simply can’t compete with.

And as we enter the season of giving, the holidays can provide even more ways to attract potential customers.

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Make it Easy for People to Find Your Business In order to compete in today’s competitive marketplace, consumers need to be able to easily locate your business. If they don’t know you’re there, they can't purchase from you.

Because of this, it’s essential your website is optimized with good, geo-targeted SEO to drive traffic. The content on the site should contain localized information so search engines are able to quickly find your site and display it when people search for businesses in their immediate area. Just think of all the times you’ve used the “near me” function on a search engine: “post office near me,” “restaurants near me,” etc. According to a recent Google study, 4 out of 5 consumers use search engines to find local information, and 50% of consumers who conducted a local search on their smartphone visited a store within a day.

While the majority of consumers utilize local searches, many small businesses are missing out on that traffic because they’re not using the best practices to dominate local search. According to Search Engine Land, many small businesses have not claimed a single local business listing online. It’s - Encourage important online shoppers to visit your that your physical location by offering free same-day pickup with online purchases.

business shows up in directories like Yelp, Merchant Circle, Citysearch and others.

Seek out these sites and make sure your information is correct and up to date. Also take advantage of Google My Business, which will help your business show up in the top of local searches made through Google.

Give People a Reason to Visit Your Store Now that people can easily find your business, give them a reason to visit.

What can you provide to your customers that they can’t get behind a computer screen?

Hold an exclusive event such as a fashion show or handson demonstrations that give customers the opportunity to interact with your merchandise.

According to a recent Big Commerce report, 49% of online shoppers cite not being able to touch, feel or try a product as one of their least favorite aspects of online shopping.

In addition, offer exclusive in-store coupons or a special selection of goods that can only be purchased at the store. But don’t ignore your online customers. An easy way to encourage online shoppers to visit your physical location is to offer free same-day pickup with online purchases. Even Amazon Prime’s two-day shipping can’t compete with that.

Capitalize on Buyer Urgency During the Holiday Season But what if some customers aren’t swayed by in-store events? Take advantage of the holiday buying season now that people are in the mindset to spend money. After all, Santa isn’t the only one checking off a long list. Now is the time to capitalize on that buyer urgency. Offer limited-time offers like discounts, gift sets or even gift-wrapping. If you’re able to offer customers something in return for their business, especially during a time when the majority of shoppers are feeling rushed and overwhelmed, you’re more likely to attract foot traffic to your store.

49% of online shoppers cite not being able to touch, feel or try a product as one of their least favorite aspects of online shopping.

- Big Commerce report

Be a Competitive Digital Marketer According to RetailNext, 72% of young shoppers research online before purchasing in a store. Your website and social media channels are your digital front door and the way many customers make first impressions about your business. Make sure your website has detailed information about the company as a whole as well as the merchandise you carry. As for social media, engage with your audience and post relevant and timely content frequently.

Upload images of your store, interact

with user comments, post deals and give them a reason to connect with you.

It’s also important to highlight positive reviews and address those dreaded negative reviews immediately with a positive response to build trust and let customers know that you’re committed to creating the best buyer experience possible. The point of social media is to be social, so engage with your customers and provide them with something of value - whether it’s content, incentives or a chance to sign up for your e-blasts. Speaking of which, email campaigns enable you to reward customers with in-store coupons and up-todate information about your business delivered straight to their inbox.

Building your online presence and offering customers something of value are the first steps to increasing traffic to your brick-and-mortar store. Take advantage of the holiday rush by concentrating on the buyer experience, and you’re likely to maintain customers long after the season of giving. ■

S U W A N E E

M A G A Z I N E

Southern HOLIDAY

TRADITIONS

Every family has unique traditions, whether it is something as simple as going for a walk after Thanksgiving dinner (like our reader, Julia Swale) or wearing t-shirts donned with spatulas (you have to check out Sarah Pyke’s hilarious tradition). We hope you are inspired by some of these traditions & recipes and that you focus on creating wonderful, new memories with your own families this holiday season...

Cheley Howes When she was little, my daughter and I always baked Jesus a birthday cake at Christmas. That was our dessert contribution to the family meal!

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Laura Lebovitz My favorite holiday tradition is giving my family gifts of time instead of traditional holiday gifts! My family each plans a "date" for each other where we plan out a day to spend together. It's such a great way to celebrate the holidays and enjoy some family bonding! Last year my gift of time for my mom was a Hunger Games studio tour of Atlanta. It's a favorite movie for us both, and we had so much fun on the tour together!

Trudi Barnes' Raspberry Coffee Cake Every Christmas we must have our raspberry coffee cake! My mother-in-law made it for years and it just became part of our morning every Christmas along with, of course, bacon and fresh squeezed orange juice! You can make the dough the night before and even roll it out but wait until the morning to add the jam and braid the cake!

You will not be sorry! So good!

Ingredients: - 3 oz. cream cheese - 4 Tbsp of butter - 2 cups Bisquick - ⅓ cup milk - ½ cup seedless raspberry jam

Swale Family My family and I always take a walk between Thanksgiving dinner and dessert. We like to get out and hike a bit to wear off our dinner and to connect with each other. We bring our dogs and all the kids and go to a local park to hike the Ravine Trail. Of course with so many different ages of family members the hike can be challenging to some, but it pays to slow down and reconnect with our loved ones and enjoy the journey together!

Icing: - 1 cup powdered sugar - 1 to 2 Tbsp milk - ½ tsp vanilla

Directions: Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Cut cream cheese and butter into Bisquick.

I do this in my Cuisinart. Add milk slowly to Cuisinart while running to make a stiff dough.

The dough should pull off the sides and make a ball. Knead the dough 8 to 10 times and roll on parchment paper into a rectangle approximately 14 x 10 inches or so. Try to make sure the dough is not too thick so that it cooks completely through. Spread jam down the center (1/3 width) almost to the ends. Cut 1 inch slices down each side right up to the jam.

Alternate sides and pull the strips up and over the jam. Make sure the strips overlap a bit in the center. This will keep the coffee cake from pulling open when you bake it. Bake 12 to 15 minutes or until golden brown. Let cool while you make the icing. Drizzle icing over cake. I usually only use about 1/2 the icing otherwise it can be too sweet! Is that actually possible?

Serve with crispy delicious bacon!

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Truex Family Reindeer Chow Christmas is our favorite time of year! We enjoy celebrating with our family and honoring traditions from our own childhoods. Our girls each open one gift on Christmas Eve. The gift is always the same- new Christmas pajamas and holiday story books. We also love baking treats to share. Our favorite treat is "Reindeer Chow." Simple to make and always a crowd pleaser!

Ingredients: - 9 cups Chex Cereal - 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips, melted - ½ cup smooth peanut butter, melted

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- ¼ cup butter, melted - 1 ½ teaspoon vanilla - 1 ½ cups powdered sugar

Directions: Melt chocolate, peanut butter, and butter for 1 minute on high. Stir. Cook for 30 seconds or longer or until smooth. Add vanilla.

Pour mixture into cereal in large bowl, stirring until coated evenly.Pour mixture in large Ziplock bag and add powdered sugar. Shake until evenly coated.

Spread on wax paper to cool. Enjoy! Best if stored in Ziplock or air-tight container.

Sarah Pyke We get the whole family together a few weeks before Christmas order a ton of Chinese food and play "Chinese Christmas."

My Grandmother’s family, The Henson’s, began the Chinese Christmas tradition and we have been doing it my entire life. There is a pile of wrapped gifts in the middle of everyone and a bowl of numbers. Each player picks a number from a bowl and whoever has number 1 unwraps the first gift. Whoever has number 2 can either steal the unwrapped gift or pick from the pile. This goes on until each person gets a gift! If someone steals your gift you

Shay's Famous Sausage Stars - 1 lb. pork sausage - 1¼ cup grated cheddar cheese - 1¼ cup Monterrey Jack cheese - 1 cup prepared Ranch dressing - 1 small can sliced black olives - 1 tsp. ground red pepper (or to taste) - 1 package wonton wrappers

get to unwrap or steal and so forth! It's always gifts like batteries or shaving cream, gas gift cards, and ALWAYS a spatula. It's an ongoing joke that my grandmother always forgets that she already bought one spatula for the gift pile and we end up with at least three spatulas in the gift pile every year. We even have t-shirts now with spatulas on them to wear for the game! Always a fun time and we always schedule the game so everyone can make it! Especially when we can't all be together sometimes on Christmas Day!

Grandma Lillian Swale's Hungarian Coffee Cake Ingredients: - 2 sticks of butter - 2 cups of sugar - 2 eggs - 1 cup sour cream - 1 teaspoon vanilla Topping: - ½ cup brown sugar - 1 teaspoon cinnamon - ¼ - ½ cup chopped nuts - 2 cups of cake flour - 1 ¼ teaspoon baking powder - 1 teaspoon salt

Directions: Cook sausage and drain thoroughly.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Combine and mix drained sausage with cheeses, olives, dressing, and red pepper in a bowl. Lightly grease muffin pans. Press one won ton in each cup and bake for 5 minutes. Then fill each wonton with sausage mixture. Bake an additional 8 minutes until cheese is bubbly.Makes 2 dozen.

Directions: Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Cream the butter and sugar. Add eggs, fold in sour cream, add vanilla. Sift the dry ingredients. Blend the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Place ½ of the batter in a well-greased, lined, tube pan. Combine the topping ingredients and sprinkle half of the topping on top of the batter. Add the remaining batter and then add the remaining topping. Be sure to get all of the air out if you can. If you desire, add vanilla glaze to the cake after it’s cool. Enjoy!

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Suwanee Academy of the Arts’

GINGERBREAD FESTIVAL ANNUAL WEEKLONG HOLIDAY CELEBRATION RETURNS

Suwanee Academy of the Arts’ annual Christmas tradition - the Gingerbread Festival - is back in 2017. First held in December 2007, Patty Etherton & Berneta Davis conceived this event to serve as a living, breathing Christmas card to their community.

This festival is a weeklong celebration where the community is invited to participate in the Gingerbread House contest, enjoy performances by the talented young singers and dancers of Suwanee Performing Arts’ Sounds of Suwanee and Suwanee Ballet, and delight youngsters with an interactive telling of The Nutcracker by Ms. Bernie in an intimate tea party atmosphere. The 2017 Gingerbread Festival will begin Friday, December 1st, beginning with The Actors Company’s holiday improv performance of a “TAC-ky Christmas Sweater Extravaganza.”

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2017 Gingerbread Festival highlights:

Best of The Nutcracker Selections from The Nutcracker performed by the Suwanee Ballet. Dazzling costumes and exciting performers showcase only the best of the Nutcracker Ballet. - Sylvia Beard Theater, Buford Community Center (2200 Buford Hwy NE, Buford GA).

Day: Saturday, December 2nd , 11:00am 3:00pm and 6:00 pm. Tickets required.

 TAC-ky Christmas Sweater Extravaganza Indulge yourself in a fun-filled evening! Bring your holiday cheer and your jolly laughs as The Actor’s Company shares the fun side of Christmas with this side-splitting improv show. -Sylvia Beard Theater, Buford Community Center (2200 Buford Hwy NE, Buford GA). Day: Friday, December 1st, 8:00pm.

Tickets required. Proceeds go to benefit Hand In Hand 2017 for hurricane relief.

 2016 Gingerbread Contest entry

 Gingerbread House Contest Come one, come all! Join in the baking fun and create a gingerbread house to enter, or just come by and enjoy the sights and smells. The theme this year is “Home for the Holidays. - Suwanee Academy of the Arts (341 Main Street, Suwanee). Entries due Sunday, December 3 and will be displayed throughout the week. Drop by any time during the week and vote for your favorite.

Nutcracker Tea

Imagine an enchanting tale brought to life through magical storytelling and delightful dancing by the Suwanee Ballet. - Main Street Playhouse at Suwanee Academy of the Arts (341 Main Street, Suwanee).

Day: December 9th. 11:00 am. or 3:00pm.

Tickets required.

Event details and tickets are available on Suwanee Performing Arts’ Facebook page.

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LET IT GLOW Lanier Islands Celebrates a 25 Year Tradition of the Magical Nights of Lights

By Alicia Carter PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY LANIER ISLANDS RESORT

he Magical Nights of Lights at Lanier Islands has been a regular part of the Christmas season in our community since I was a kid. Having grown up nearby, I remember the cars filled with families, couples and groups of teens heading to the park at sundown beginning in mid-November. As common as it was to work at Lanier Islands during summer break, as many of my friends did, you were just as likely to bring your high school sweetheart to the Magical Nights of Lights for a special date during the holidays. In fact, my husband and I shared a date to the lights with friends when we first began dating. And now here I am in my 30s with a child of my own and the Magical Nights of Lights is still as much a part of the Christmas season as it was when it first began in 1993, which speaks to just how special it is.

And that’s what sets it apart from other holiday events: It’s a beloved family tradition that people look forward to year after year.

And this year is extra special because the Magical Nights of Lights is celebrating its 25th anniversary.

Kicking off November 17, the Christmas spectacle is back with new additions to its twinkling lights lineup, alongside tried-and-true favorites. The newest standout is a 65-foot Christmas tree set atop a giant drum at the Clock Tower roundabout — a true centerpiece of the show! This year also marks the return of an old favorite. Guests can once again sing the familiar song about a partridge in a pear tree, turtle doves, French hens and more as they drive past the displays of the 12 Days of Christmas portion, which will appear next to other favorites such as Santa’s elves at work, the North Pole Express, Wizard of Oz, the Icicle Tunnel, the Carousel and more.

We spoke with Missy Burgess, Lanier Island Resort’s Director of Public Relations and Sponsorships, about what else they had in store to celebrate the 25th anniversary. “This is a special tradition for families,” she says. “What sets apart the Magical Nights of Lights from other Christmas events is that while most charge per person, admission to the Lights is per car, so it’s really a great value.” To commemorate the 25th anniversary, this year’s

Magical Nights of Lights opened in 1993 with just 40 displays and trees strung with lights. Today, the tour includes hundreds of impressive displays on a 7-mile drive throughout the resort.

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Magical Nights of Lights will be even more affordable with the discounted rate of just $45 per vehicle when purchased at the gate and $35 per vehicle when purchased online.

After you make your way through the lights, you’ll end your drive at the familiar Holiday Village inside LanierWorld, where you can visit Old Saint Nick himself at Santa’s workshop, partake in some holiday shopping, stop by the fire pit to roast marshmallows, and even hop on a carnival ride to top off the evening.

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Lanier Islands Resort is also offering the Ultimate Santa Package for the holidays, where visitors can experience luxurious overnight accommodations, a special Christmas ornament welcome gift, a bedtime holiday story with cookies and milk for the kids as they’re tucked into bed by Santa’s elves, and a festive breakfast with Santa for four guests. Be sure to plan ahead to secure a spot at Santa’s breakfast table, as dates are limited to November 18-26; December 2, 3, 9, 10 and December 16-24.

This holiday season I look forward to returning to the Magical Nights of Lights with my daughter for her second trip to see the massive Christmas lights displays. “It’s an experience that the family is able to enjoy together,” Burgess says. “You’re able to experience it with your kids,

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singing songs, seeing the expressions on their face — it feels like a really private experience even though it’s a public event.” And that’s true: Seeing the look in my daughter’s eyes as we ride past the twinkling lights is a joy that truly captures the magic of the season. ■

Follow Lanier Island’s Facebook page for more surprises and special announcements about the Magical Nights of Lights. And for more information about the Ultimate Santa Package, visit lanierislands.com.

8 Ways to Give Back this Holiday Season By: ALICIA CARTER

Caught up in the ballyhoo of the holiday season? From shopping and family gatherings to holiday portraits and other activities, Thanksgiving and Christmas traditions can generate a lot of spending and, sometimes, a lot of stress.

But it’s important not to lose sight of the true charitable nature of the season of giving. Whether it’s by donating a toy to a child who may not get a visit from Santa, or helping to prepare a meal for a family who otherwise may have gone without, there are plenty of ways to make an impact during this special time of year.

Donate a Toy to Lift Up Atlanta’s Christmas Toy Drive

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0 Lift Up Atlanta works to help meet the basic needs of homeless and low-income families in the metro Atlanta area through safe housing, food and clothing donations, as well as other services that help support education and empower growth through self-sufficiency. Lift Up Atlanta will host a Christmas Toy Drive this holiday season with a goal to provide new toys for 500 children in need — and you can help! Between November 27 and December 20, donate a new, unwrapped toy to any of the drop-off locations listed at their website, Mail donations to Lift Up Atlanta, Box 1745, Hampton, GA 30228, or submit a financial contribution at liftupatlanta.org.

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Sponsor a child or senior for Christmas and feed a family with North Gwinnett Co-op

Last year, North Gwinnett Co-op distributed more than 1,500 holiday meals to individuals in need. This year, they’ve set a goal to distribute more than 1,700 meal boxes to the community for Thanksgiving and Christmas. Help North Gwinnett Co-op reach this goal by providing a complete meal box or a donation of $50 to sponsor a holiday meal box for a family.

In addition to helping feed families this holiday season, be a charitable secret Santa by sponsoring a child or senior for Christmas.

Sponsor a child by donating a winter coat (if needed), set of pajamas, one outfit for school or church, one pair of shoes, and a toy (not to exceed $30). Sponsor a senior by providing a winter coat (if needed), robe and/ or pajamas, clothing or household need, one pair of shoes (if needed), and personal care items. For holiday volunteer shifts, a list of meal box items and other needs, visit northgwinnettcoop.org.

Consider donating time or money to the following local

Donate a Gift to Friends U Need’s Wish List

Donate to Georgia SPCA for Georgia Gives Days 0 Located in Suwanee, The Georgia SPCA is a nonprofit pet rescue organization that aims to reduce the number of healthy animals who are euthanized in Georgia by offering adoption programs, low-cost spay and neuter procedures and promoting responsible pet ownership.

Georgia SPCA asks the community to consider giving to the organization for Giving Tuesday, which this year is being combined with Georgia Gives Day on November 28, rallying around the message of “Please Give So They Can Live.” Visit georgiaspca.org for more information.

0 Friends U Need is a nonprofit day program in Buford for special needs adults who have “aged out” of all government-funded programs. The FUN Club works to enrich the lives of these adults by providing a place where they can socialize with friends and be a part of the community. As a small organization, Friends U Need benefits hugely from the support of its community. This holiday season, make an impact in the lives of the FUN Club by donating an item from their “wish list,” including books, arts supplies, large puzzles, paper towels, plastic cups and more.

Make a donation at their website, friendsuneed.org.

organizations:

#5. The Hope Clinic The Hope Clinic is a nonprofit clinic that provides medical care to those with limited or no access to health care in Gwinnett County. As temperatures cool and seasonal ailments see an uptick, consider donating time or money to help the Hope Clinic provide high-quality medical care to those in need.

For more information, visit hopeclinicgwinnett.info.

#6. Eagle Ranch Located in Flowery Branch, Eagle Ranch provides a stable home environment for children in crisis while emphasizing education and counseling, with the ultimate goal to reunify children with their parents. Eagle Ranch could not meet this goal without the work of their volunteers, who help with groundskeeping, meal preparation and administrative help, as well as the generous monetary contributions from the community.

Visit eagleranch.org for more information.

#7. Gwinnett Children’s Shelter The Gwinnett Children’s Shelter is a nonprofit residential care facility that provides services for homeless children along with their young mothers.

Community members can make an impact this holiday season by contributing to their list of needed items, including cleaning supplies, laundry detergent, paper towels, toilet paper and bedding.

The shelter also needs volunteers to help prepare lunch and dinner on the weekends. For more information about donating and volunteering, or to see the full list of needed items, visit homeofhopegcs.org.

Donate to Annandale Village 0 Annandale Village provides progressive life assistance to adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities and acquired brain injuries in an effort to help them maintain their independence. The nonprofit has many volunteer opportunities, but you can also make an impact during the season of giving by donating items included in their wish list, such as socks, jackets, art supplies, personal care products, bedding, gift cards, office supplies and more. For the full list, visit annandale.org.

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42 MANAGING

your health,

wellness and happiness

HOLIDAY STRESS

ASK HENRY 38 /// MAINTAINING A HEALTHY VOICE 45

GET FIT? Are you ready to

Suwanee Magazine wants to help you get back on track to a healthier lifestyle come 2018. That’s why we’re bringing back our popular Get Fit Challenge.. We are currently looking for six local residents who want to kick off the new year with a commitment to a three-month challenge that will give you the tools and guidance to get healthy.

By Alicia Carter.

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GET FIT CHALLENGE The holidays are approaching and our plates are fuller - literally and figuratively.

We’re juggling shopping lists, family commitments, holiday traveling, and we’re also indulging in more sweet treats, second helpings and, sure, an extra glass of wine or two to temper the holiday stress. ’Tis the season, right? But as we all know, the pumpkin pie, Christmas cookies, dressing and other seasonal goodies add up to extra weight gain and an overall feeling of bah humbug.

We here at Suwanee Magazine want to help you get back on track to a healthier lifestyle come 2018. That’s why we’re bringing back our popular Get Fit Challenge. We’re currently looking for six local

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residents who want to kick off the new year with a commitment to a three-month challenge that will give them the tools and guidance to get healthy.

Beginning January 2, we will pair six Get Fit Challenge contestants with a local gym where they will receive a FREE, THREE-MONTH MEMBERSHIP. During that time, contestants will work out with fitness experts, learn how to implement healthier food choices, and develop the goals and a plan that will work for each individual.

Suwanee Magazine and our readers will monitor their progress and cheer them on throughout the three month fitness journey. The overall winner and results of the challenge will be announced in our May/June 2018 issue and online at suwaneemagazine.com.

K

HENR Y

AS

HENRY ANSWERS ALL YOUR PET-RELATED QUESTIONS...

Q: I know humans can get the flu and you should get a flu shot when the winter

approaches. Are my dogs at risk for getting the flu also?

A: What a great question! Yes, indeed your dog can get the flu. It is not the same flu that people get but it is very contagious nonetheless. You may have heard about the outbreak of flu in Chicago last winter- those poor puppies were miserable! They had horrible nasal discharge, sneezing and coughing, and many of them had fevers and

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wouldn’t eat. They had to shut down all the dog parks and shelters to get rid of it. There are actually two types of flu but your veterinarian at Sugar Hill has a vaccine that will protect against both of them. It is really easy to be protected and then you don’t have to worry about all the friends you meet at the park.

thrive

Q: Is it OK to walk my dog when it’s cold outside and even if it’s snowing?

A: Many dog owners live with the misconception that

because their pets have a coat of fur, they can tolerate the cold better than humans. This isn’t necessarily the case. If it’s too cold for you to stand at the door without your coat, it’s probably too cold for your dog too, so pay attention to his behavior while he’s outdoors.

If you notice your dog whining, shivering or appearing anxious, or he stops playing and seems to be looking for places to burrow, then it’s time to bring him in. Frostbite begins when the dog’s body gets cold.

The body automatically pulls blood from the extremities to the center of the body to stay warm.

The dog’s ears, paws or tail can get so cold that ice crystals can form in the tissue and damage it. The tricky thing to remember about frostbite is that it’s not immediately When temperatures drop below freezing, obvious. your best friend should avoid prolonged Watch for outdoor activity. signs of pale or grey skin; the skin may also turn hard and cold. As frostbitten areas warm, they can be extremely painful.

Severely frostbitten skin will eventually turn black and slough off. A second serious winter weather concern is hypothermia. This occurs when a dog spends too much time in the cold, gets wet in cold temperatures or when dogs with poor health or circulation are exposed to cold. In mild cases, the dog will shiver; ears and feet may grow cold. As hypothermia progresses, she may show signs of depression, lethargy, and weakness. As the condition worsens, her muscles will stiffen, her heart and breathing rates slow down, and she will not respond to stimuli. Severe hypothermia is life threatening.

Preventing your dog from frostbite and hypothermia is essential, so learn how to recognize the signs that your dog needs to come indoors to warm up.

Henry’s helper for this issue was West Hamryka DVM. Dr. Hamryka is the Owner and Medical Director of Sugar Hill Animal Hospital. His special interests include geriatrics and orthopedics.

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VITALITY MED SPA

FAMILY MAT TERS

By Laura Lebovitz, LMFT, Grow Counseling

Managing Stress Over the Holidays We all have a picture of how we want the holidays to be in our head…the flawless Thanksgiving spread, the perfect Christmas tree, the impeccable holiday party, and the best Hanukkah yet. In our rosy visions of holiday bliss, everyone always gets along and any stress we have been dealing with earlier in the year simply melts away. However, just like the Griswald family in National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation, very rarely do we get the holiday season we have envisioned in our heads. hile we may want the holidays to be a stress-free zone, most people say that their anxiety actually increases this time of year. You may find yourself feeling stressed about keeping up with all of the holiday activities, financial crunches, work deadlines, or even just anxiety about whether or not this year will live up to your expectations. Keeping stress under control does not have to take a Christmas miracle though! Here are some easy ways to help manage your anxiety this season.

Plan ahead, make a list, and check it twice.

A lot of our stress comes from trying to accomplish things last minute. However this normally leaves us in a severe time crunch where we start to feel really overwhelmed. Try to plan out this holiday season a bit more than usual. Be intentional about scheduling your social calendar as well as planning out when you will accomplish your cooking and shopping. If you are an anxious traveler, plan ahead and find ways to help yourself relax while you are away from home. A more intentional holiday season might even leave you some time to relax by a fire with a nice cup of something hot.

Call a holiday truce.

Try to set aside any differences or conflicts with family members until the holidays are over. The Thanksgiving table is not the time or place to try to resolve any conflicts or disagreements.

Chances are the rest of your family is feeling the stress of the holidays just like you are. Try to have extra patience with any family conflict or politics talk. Try walking away from the conversation, having a favorite holiday treat, or even finding a friend to talk to.

Everything in moderation.

It is easy to overindulge in more ways than one during the holidays. Too much eggnog, holiday treats, or even together time can leave you feeling more drained. It can be tempting to use drinking or food to take the edge off in stressful situations, but this just leaves you feeling more anxious.

Connect with others in a meaningful way.

Make sure that you are having a holiday that is fulfilling and enjoyable for you and not just something where you are going through the motions. Take the pressure off yourself and make realistic expectations about what the season will look like for you. Take a break and refocus yourself when you are overwhelmed, even if that means you leave the party for a minute or two. Find social groups, volunteer opportunities, and traditions that bring you joy and peace. The holidays don’t need to be perfect to be enjoyable. ■ Read more Family Matters articles @ SuwaneeMagazine.com

LAURA LEBOVITZ, LMFT Laura is a licensed marriage and family therapist who works in the Suwanee area at GROW Counseling. She received her Masters of Family Therapy from Mercer University School of Medicine. She works with children, adolescents, young adults, and families dealing with a variety of concerns. She specializes in working with anxiety, autism, self-harm, life transitions like divorce, and building healthy relationships within families.

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thrive

Maintaining a Healthy Voice BY: Matthew T. Gill, M.D., Suwanee Ear Nose & Throat

The human voice is an amazing gift that is often taken for granted. We rely on it for communication and personal expression. Illness, injury or misuse may lead to significant voice problems that can disrupt daily work and activities. Many vocations place significant demands on the voice. Teachers are especially prone to voice problems but other examples include singers, preachers, coaches, receptionists, and sales people. oarseness refers to a change in vocal quality.

3) Avoid vocal overuse or misuse. This is a common Acute laryngitis from a respiratory infection issue which can lead to vocal cord injury and chronic (common cold, sinusitis or bronchitis) is the voice problems. Obvious causes include voice strain from most common cause screaming, yelling or cheering; however of sudden hoarseness trying to "power through" when sick and can even cause instead of appropriately resting your complete loss of voice. voice can be equally problematic. Try Failure to rest one's voice when to avoid speaking in noisy environments needed may compound the problem which require you to raise your voice by causing further vocal cord injury above the noise to be heard. Use a or the development of improper microphone when available for public compensatory strategies (leading to speaking. When sick it is best to rest chronically inefficient voice use and your voice as much as possible. Avoid prolonged hoarseness). Causes of speaking in especially high or low tones chronic hoarseness include irritation outside of your normal vocal range or from acid reflux or postnasal drip, whispering as these cause more vocal structural abnormalities of the vocal strain than your regular speaking voice. â– cords (nodules, polyps, cysts or tumors), vocal cord paralysis, or improper voice technique such as excessive squeezing The vocal cords normally open and close or tension of the laryngeal musculature.

Tips for maintaining a healthy voice

to generate the voice with a slow, steady movement. When a person has laryngitis, their vocal cords are swollen, changing the way air moves through the throat.

1) Hydration, hydration, hydration. The larynx

(voice box) is a delicate organ and the vocal cords require adequate hydration for optimal function.

Drink at least 8 glasses of water, or 64 ounces, per day.

2) Limit or avoid substances that are known to cause damage to the vocal cords.

Cigarette smoke is very irritating to the vocal cords and prolonged use is the leading risk factor for laryngeal cancer. Caffeine and alcohol can indirectly cause injury by promoting acid reflux (GERD) or by leading to dehydration.

MATTHEW T. GILL, M.D., SUWANEE EAR NOSE & THROAT Dr. Matthew T. Gill is board certified in otolaryngology-head and neck surgery and has been practicing since 2011. Dr. Gill earned his undergraduate degree from Baylor University where he graduated with distinction from the Honors Program. He received his medical degree from the Medical College of Wisconsin, where he was honored with the Thomas W. Grossman Award in Otolaryngology. Dr. Gill went on to complete an otolaryngology-head and neck surgery residency at Louisiana State University in Shreveport, Louisiana.

Dr. Gill welcomes all general adult and pediatric ear, nose and throat patients to his practice, but has a special interest in the surgical treatment of chronic ear infections, hearing loss, and chronic sinusitis.

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ADVERTISMENT

Our annual Holiday Gift Guide features gift ideas and exclusive deals to help make your holiday shopping easier.

Local businesses have given us their top picks for the best gifts this season, no matter who you’re shopping for. Shop on!

Parsons Gifts & Cards 1500 Peachtree Industrial Blvd.

Suwanee, GA 30024 770-271-7735 Parsons-Suwanee-GA.com Fun, new, exciting, one-stop gift shopping!

Your favorite boutique in Suwanee!

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Bella Blue Children’s Boutique 1500 Peachtree Industrial Blvd., Suite #125 Suwanee, GA 30024 678-765-8820 Bella Blue is a locally owned and operated children’s boutique located in the Suwanee Jubilee shopping center directly beside Parsons. They carry a variety of girls and boys clothes, as well as shoes, accessories, toys and gifts.

Monogramming services are also available. Stop by the store for all of your holiday needs!

fab’rik Suwanee

340 Town Center Avenue, Suite A3 Suwanee, Georgia 30024 678-765-6235 FabrikStyle.com/locations/Suwanee/ Give the gift of style this holiday season! The sole mission of fab'rik is to provide high style with heart all while maintaining their vision to create a women's boutique where everyone can afford to feel beautiful. With everything from clothing, jewelry, accessories, and shoes you can make them your one-stop-shop this holiday season.

Sugar Hill Animal Hospital 5305 GA Highway 20 Sugar Hill, GA 30518 770-271-7777 SugarHillAnimalHospital.com Sitter while you shop! Reserve daycare for your dogs this holiday season.

Sugar Hill Animal Hospital is an AAHA accredited, full service animal hospital offering in-house diagnostics and medical treatment in their state-ofthe-art facility. They pride themselves in their pet resort and offer VIP suites, doggie daycare and Gwinnett’s only heated saltwater pool. Their professional groomers provide grooming services for all breeds. $20 OFF a new puppy or kitten exam.

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A Atlanta Kilts K Atlanta Kilts

1275 Buford Highway, Suite 105 Suwanee, GA 877-411-KILT (5458) AtlantaKilts.com

Celtic Christmas Gifts! Give the gift of heritage and elegant classic style to celebrate Christmas! Near Suwanee town center, find the kilt, tartan, or Celtic accessory to make the perfect gift!

Reasons to wear a kilt: golf, weddings, cruises, proms, football games, Celtic events, memorials, holidays, celebrations, just for fun or at work!

Unleashed Creations Pet Spa

1495 Buford Highway, Ste. 140, Suwanee, GA 30024 404-806-1860 UnleashedCreationsPetSpa.com

Buy a $25 gift card for a friend who's never used their services and get $25 coupon for yourself! Did you run out of gifts ideas for the holidays? Your friends with furry kids will surely appreciate a gift card to send their babies to a one-of-a-kind dog place. They can benefit from their topof-the-line grooming, fun doggie day care or a luxurious stay at our hotel. Hurry! This offer expires.

(Note: All dogs must provide vaccine records up to date. All dogs must take a temperament test and be neutered/spayed to be allowed in their play areas.)

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Pooch ‘N Paws 2 LOCATIONS: Suwanee Town Center 770-932-7040

The Forum at Peachtree Corners 770-446-6672 PoochNPaws.com For your favorite pooches, check out the wide selection of holiday goodies at Pooch ‘N Paws – including personalized doggie ornaments, toys, treats, apparel, collars, leashes and more! Get a personalized bone for 1/2 OFF with ANY purchase! (limit 1 per customer).

Funopolis Family Fun Center

40155 Hwy. 441 S, Commerce, GA 30529 706-335-FUNN FunopolisFamilyFunCenter.com

Make memories and give the gift of fun! At Funopolis Family Fun Center you can bring the whole family to play! Santa and character breakfast on Dec. 2nd & 9th reservations are required with limited availability, so book today! Holiday Special - buy a gift card for $25 or more and receive a FREE 2-hour non-redemption Video Card (must present this ad - expires Dec. 24, 2017).

Interactive Neighborhood for Kids

999 Chestnut Street, Suite 11 Gainesville, GA 30501 770-536-1900 InkFun.org

Tis the season for giving, and INK has just the right gifts for kids and families. Need an idea? Wrap up a toy from their gift shop or paint pottery for someone special! Also, extend their fun all year by giving the gift of a family membership for only $99. Hours: Monday-Saturday 10am-5pm ($8 admission) and Sunday 1pm-5pm ($6 admission).

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Camp Bow Wow

1795 Buford Highway Duluth, GA 30097 678-265-FIDO CampBowWow.com/Duluth Dont FURget about Fido!

Their Camp Bow Wow gift cards can be used for any of their services including boarding, grooming, day camp, or training. Holistic and organic retail selection is perfect for stocking stuffers!

Voted best in Gwinnett since 2008, Camp Bow Wow Duluth is where a dog can be a dog!

Gift Card

1795 Buford Hwy. Bldg. 1A, Duluth, GA 30097 (678) 265-FIDO (3436)

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Experimac

425 Buford Highway, Suite 106-A Suwanee, GA 30024 678-765-7625 Experimac.com/Suwanee-Ga

Experimac of Suwanee offers professional Apple® related services throughout the Suwanee, Buford, Duluth, Johns Creek, and Alpharetta areas. They buy, sell, trade and repair Apple® Macintosh® computers, iPhone® devices and iPad® tablets, and offer some of the best pricing available anywhere for Apple® products and repairs.

Experimac of Suwanee has worked on everything from iPad® tablets to iPhone® devices, to MacBook® laptops and iMac® computers, from iOS to OS X®.

Celebrations Professional DJ Service 770-633-3798 CelebrationsProfessionalDJ.com JJ@CelebrationsProfessionalDJ.com

Celebrations Professional DJ Service is a professional and reliable disc jockey service with over 14 years of experience in wedding receptions, corporate parties, dances, class reunions and events.

They offer a wide range of music selections to fit any age group or special occasion. Celebrations Professional DJ Service is exactly what you need to create the perfect musical environment and entertainment for your holiday party this season!

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Ensemble

340 Town Center Ave, Suite A5 Suwanee, GA 30024 678-765-2219 ShopEnsembleBoutique.com

Cartridge World 3320 LawrencevilleSuwanee Road, Suite 1D Suwanee, GA 30024 678-482-4822 CWSuwanee.com

Located in the heart of Suwanee Town Center, Ensemble Boutique offers high quality, unique apparel and accessories appropriate for all settings, whether work or play! Shop Ensemble this holiday season for 15% OFF your entire purchase! (Excludes sale items. Cannot be combined with any other offer. Must present this coupon at checkout.

Expires 12/31/17).

Before you print your holiday invitations, stop by Cartridge World in Suwanee to fill your ink and toner needs. Whether it’s for the home or office, Cartridge World of Suwanee offers great savings. They stand by their products by offering a 100% customer satisfaction guarantee and they are environmentally friendly.

Salon Greco the European Day Spa

4320 Suwanee Dam Road, Ste. 800, Suwanee, GA 30024 678-546-5116 SalonGreco.com Spread some holiday cheer this year! Buy a $100 gift certificate, get 3 bonus gift cards free! $20 for you, $40 to gift to friends & family!

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Details The Salon Professionals 1400 Buford Highway, Suite L2 Buford, GA 30518 678-765-0029 DetailsTheSalonProfessionals.com

As a top salon and spa in Buford, GA, their experienced stylists will listen carefully and create skillfully. They specialize in solving your hair styling problems, color correction, and enhancing your unique look. Their skincare, hair care, massage therapists, and wig consultants are passionate, detailed, and simply the best. Featuring Fabulous Fridays through the holidays, get a massage, facial or manicure and receive a FREE shampoo blowout!

NAIL BAR

Pulse Nail Bar 340 Town Center Avenue, Suite A1 Suwanee, GA 30024 678-242-8223

Brand new to Suwanee Town Center, stop by Pulse Nail Bar between now and December 31st for 10% OFF! Enjoy a relaxing break while you’re out and about this holiday season or purchase a gift certificate to give to someone special.

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&Mower S&S

Hardware

&Mower S&S

Hardware

&Mower

S&S S&S

Hardware

&Mower

Hardware

&Mower

S&S

Hardware

&Mower

S&S Ace Hardware 4300 Buford Drive NE Buford, GA 30518 770-932-1458 SSAceHardware.com

S&S

Easy shopping, cool stuff, helpful folks - Ace is the Place! Holiday lighting and hook-up, gifts, gadgets, &tools, home and hearth items, outdoor cooking and games and much more! Featuring quality, premium branded products!

Hardware

Mo w e r

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68 HOLIDAY

local food. craft beer. wine trends.

BEER & WINE

RESTAURANT GUIDE 65

, c est délicieux {STORY & PHOTOS BY RACHEL PILLOW }

La Madeleine French Bakery & Café gives you a taste of that indulgent, laid-back, community-based and joyful Parisian lifestyle.

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As you step into La Madeleine French Bakery & Café in Buford, your mind is immediately whisked away from the busyness of Mall of Georgia holiday shopping and transported to a Parisian sidewalk café as you’re greeted with a cheerful “Bonjour” from the cashier, the sound of a warm, crackling fireplace and views of a baker making pastries from scratch...

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 La Madeleine pastry chef Lisbet Vivas trained in France and is passionate about the art of crafting authentic Parisian pastries.

 La Madeleine is open from 7:30am – 9:00pm for guests to enjoy a peaceful sit-down meal, a healthy yet indulgent snack on the go, a quick coffee and croissant, or private party and catering options.

 A two-way fireplace in the dining room lends itself to leisurely conversation in a cozy environment.

Handcrafted, signature croissants, delicious cakes, beautiful tarts and pastries that are made in-house line the display case.

➜ Nowhere in the world is there as strong of a relationship between food and daily life as in France, and La Madeleine’s goal is to give you a taste of that indulgent, laid-back, community-based and joyful Parisian lifestyle. While La Madeleine offers to-go orders for those in a hurry, the restaurant is designed in a way that encourages guests to comfortably gather around the fireplace, hang out, share food and enjoy the simple pleasures of a meal and conversation together. La Madeleine

prides itself on using wholesome, fresh, seasonal ingredients and hand-crafted recipes originated from The Loire Valley in France – a place known as “the garden of France” and where the style of cooking is “le bon et le bien” – good and healthy.

“Everything is baked and prepared fresh in-house,” said Kyle Hakim, Vice President of Operations. “Our pastry chef, Lisbet Vivas, trained in France and baking is her passion. Pastry-making truly is an art and our pastries are what set us apart from the competition,” he continued.

Hakim’s family has been in the restaurant industry for over 30 years and when the opportunity to own and operate La Madeleine locations in Georgia and North Carolina, they knew it was meant to be. “When I was growing up in Texas my dad used to work on the weekends and it was tradition for my mom to take us to La Madeleine every Saturday. I always got the Chicken Friand (balsamic chicken and swiss, mushroom filling in a puff pastry topped with wild mushroom sauce) and that is still one of my favorite

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 L to R: Margarita Macias, Emily DeLeon, Tyler Eddleston, Papa Gaye, Kyle Hakim, Melvin Summerall, Leonardo Pena, Hirut Woldetsadik, Lisbet Vivas

dishes here today,” Hakim said. In another nod to destiny, Hakim’s father ate at La Madeleine on opening day of its first location in the 1980s on the SMU college campus in Dallas, Texas. His parents were both French-speaking immigrants from Lebanon, a Middle Eastern country heavily influenced by French culture because of France’s colonial rule over the country prior to WWI. “We speak the language and understand the culture so this (La Madeleine) was a good fit for our family,” Hakim said.

La Madeleine was founded in 1983 by Frenchman, Patrick Leon Esquerré, who had a dream to bring a real, country French bakery (boulangerie) to the Southeast United States. With the help of his mother, who flew overnight from France with her recipes in tow, his dream came true and now La Madeleine has over 70 locations across the U.S. that still maintain the integrity of his mother’s original recipes and new offerings that are inspired by the ongoing food trends of authentic, French cuisine. While the menu has long-standing staples such as Quiche Lorraine, Croque Monsieur, Tomato Basil Soupe and savory Crepes and homemade jam, the menu rotates three times a year based on seasonal ingredients.

Even La Madeleine’s catering menu brings  La Madeleine is directly adjacent to the a genuine French Mall of Georgia, where you can grab a experience to a quick cup of coffee and a pastry to relax corporate setting or after your holiday shopping spree. party of any size with their handmade pastries, soups, salads, bistro sandwiches, tarts, desserts and more. They offer breakfast, lunch and dinner both in-store and for catering. “We have people that come in just for a handmade, warmed butter croissant and latte or to order one of our traditional Bûche de Noël (Yule log) cakes.” From intimate dinner parties to a large family lunch, to large mimosa brunches on the patio, to special occasions in the private party room, La Madeleine ensures that they can accommodate and customize your experience for every occasion. It is important to Hakim and his family that they remain true to Esquerré’s original vision, where “at the heart of the La Madeleine experience is the ability to retreat from the world outside and, for a few moments, enjoy life, food and friends at your own pace.” ■

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GUIDE BEST AREA DINING OPTIONS FROM FINE DINING TO FUN FAMILY FARE Dollar signs indicate the typical cost per person for meal, includes one non-alcoholic drink, tax and tip. $ UNDER $10 $$ $11 - $30 $$$ $31 - $50 $$$$ MORE THAN $50

Valentino's Bakery

3294 Peachtree Industrial Blvd. Ste. 1004, Duluth 678-878-4772 I ValentinosBakeryInc.com I $ Chef Valentino is treating the US with his pastry talents brought all the way from Venezuela. With over 50 years of experience in the baking industry, Chef Valentino carefully crafts goodies not only full of flavor, but attractive in appearance. Stop by his bakery in Duluth to try his famous milhojas, flan, and fruit tart or any other decadently created pastry or dessert!

La Madeleine 2 LOCATIONS:

1795 Mall of Georgia Blvd I Buford I 678-714-2773 2255 Pleasant Hill Rd I Duluth I 770-814-0356 LaMadeleine.com I $$ La Madeleine is a cozy, casual French bakery and café serving authentic freshly-made fare from time-honored recipes for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Their handcrafted menu items include omelettes, crêpes and quiche for breakfast, homemade soupes, salades and sandwiches for lunch, as well as dinner entrées and authentic French pâtisseries, viennoiserie and breads.

Bare Bones Steakhouse

115 E. Main St., Suite C-12, Buford 470-266-1890 I BareBonesSteakhouse.com $$$

Located in the Bona Allen building of downtown, historic Buford, Bare Bones Steakhouse provides an atmosphere of character and originality. This classic, traditional steakhouse restaurant and bar also offers a comfortable lounge and additional space to host your next party or event. Now open on Sundays from noon to 8pm! Make sure to try their Sunday ONLY lunch menu and prime rib (prime rib also available on Tuesdays).

WANT MORE? STAY CONNECTED WITH SUWANEE MAGAZINE. FOLLOW, TWEET, SHARE >

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ITALIAN

Suwanee Pizza Tavern

1500 Peachtree Industrial Blvd I Suwanee I Suite 150 678-546-0823 I Facebook.com/SuwaneePizzaTavern.com I $$ Suwanee Pizza Tavern is known for their made-from-scratch, wood-fired pizza, garlic knots, wings, sandwiches, pastas, and friendly atmosphere. The open pizza pit showcases their wood-fired oven where you can watch their pizza chef create your pizza. The dining area is perfect for a family outing, or you can head over to their signature bar with your friends to watch your favorite sports on the flat screen TVs. Visit Suwanee Pizza Tavern, your local upscale pizza tavern!

MEXICAN

Cinco

1500 Peachtree Industrial Blvd Suite 100 I Suwanee 678-541-0645 I CincoRestaurants.com I $$ Check out After Five's new food, new drinks and new team! Enjoy hand-crafted margaritas, an extensive tequila list, daily food and drink specials, Sunday brunch and live entertainment!

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AMERICAN

The Diner at Sugar Hill

4500 Nelson Brogdon Blvd I Buford 770.831.0180 I TheDinerAtSugarHill.com I $$ Visit The Diner at Sugar Hill for all your breakfast, lunch, and dinner hometown grill favorites! Choose from an extensive selection of comfort foods and gourmet entrees and top off your meal with a cocktail. The Diner at Sugar Hill also offers both on-site and off-site catering services for you to enjoy hosting at your own location or in their private dining area.

Brown Bag Deli

340 Town Center Avenue I Suwanee 678-682-3496 I BrownBagDeliandCafe.com I $ Visit Brown Bag Deli & Café for some of Suwanee’s most amazing sandwiches, wraps and salads. Each sandwich is custom made when you order it and never before - one taste and you know that good times are in the bag! Their bagels are made fresh locally and are great for morning or lunch. Fresh quality food in a fun atmosphere is what Brown Bag Deli and Café is all about. Park-friendly beer and wine and catering services are also available!

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W H A T ' S

B R E W I N G

H O L I D A Y

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It’s hard to believe that the holidays are almost here! The changing of the seasons is usually marked by the coveted arrival of pumpkin spiced everything, and from there, the rest of the holiday flavors begin to rotate in. From salted caramel and dark chocolate to turkey dinners and tailgates with Chili and wings, all of this food begs the question, “Yes, but what do we drink?” Whatever your event or cuisine, you can rest assured that there are a few palatable people pleasers that you should stock your bar with now to ensure that you’ve got that part covered! By: Claire Addison, Beverage SuperStore

For almost any occasion that involves people and food, you’ll need wine and beer to go with it.

There will always be choices that may go a little better with one type of cuisine than others, but there are some that are sure to fit in and flatter any sauce, meat, or dish.

HOLIDAY WINES

Nothing is more flexible to food than red blends. As the name suggests, red blends are wines that consist of a variety of grapes, usually leading to a very interesting and balanced glass. Red blends are unique to each winemaker as they can consist of any combination of thousands of grape varietals, meaning each bottle will have differences in flavors, tannins, and complexities. Don’t worry, it’s not as complicated as it sounds. Most bottles will list what the blend consists of, which should help narrow your selections.

Beverage SuperStore recently acquired a red blend called 7 Moons, and it has been a hit with everyone who grabs a bottle. Not

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only is this wine palatable and balanced, it’s very affordable at only $10.99. 7 Moons is a blend of Syrah, Merlot, Petite Sirah, Zinfandel, Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec and Grenache making it a very balanced, easy drinking wine that would stand up to your tailgate fare, Thanksgiving dinner or leftovers, and any spur of the moment guests that pop over for pizza.

If white wine is more of your liking, you can’t go wrong with a solid Vermentino or Chenin Blanc. These wines might not be as recognizable as Pinot Grigio or Chardonnay, but trust us: they are

solid selections that will not only please your thirst, but also might inspire hearts and minds to research and seek out these two underappreciated varietals.

Vermintino (“vur-men-teeno”) is a light-bodied white wine that grows mostly in Italy on the island of Sardinia, but is gaining popularity with some California vineyards as well. What’s amazing about Vermentino is that it can be deliciously complex in taste in a similar style to Sauvignon Blanc, but with a creaminess that more closely resembles a Chardonnay.

Our favorite at Beverage SuperStore is Corse by Dave Phinney’s Locations wine series.

Chenin Blanc (“shen-nin blonk”) is originally from France, but grows very well in South Africa, where it has seen more popularity in recent years. This wine is fragrant, complex, and inviting, allowing for versatility to pair with many

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7 Moons is a blend of Syrah, Merlot, Petite Sirah, Zinfandel, Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec and Grenache.

New Belgium Fat Tire is an American craft beer staple, available in many different packages, making it suitable for tailgating or grilling out.

Creature Comforts’ Athena is a light, refreshing beer with a subtle tartness.

Corse by Dave Phinney’s Locations wine seriesis a light-bodied white wine with some creaminess closer to a Chardonnay.

Paulaner Oktoberfest is a Marzen style beer with a nutty quality and a slightly sweet finish.

Founders All Day IPA Session Ale is an American IPA with a lower ABV and a slightly bitter finish.

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different types of food and styles of cuisines, especially sweet and sour foods that are difficult to pair. The bright acidity cuts through the sour and the subtle sweetness complements items like teriyaki wings or cranberry sauce.

BEERS FOR YOUR HOLIDAY PARTIES

Over the last 2 years, the world of craft beer has exploded with new additions. At more than 5,300 craft breweries in the U.S. alone, the growth has been as staggering as the number of beers released in every flavor you could imagine (and some that you never would have imagined). When dealing with a diverse crowd, it’s best to keep a small variety with the major styles covered. If you start grabbing a different six pack every day, you’ll find you have several selections that might linger longer. What you can do is stock up on what I refer to as “fridge beer” to have on hand anytime that most people will open and enjoy. My tried and true is New Belgium’s Fat Tire.

This American craft staple is available year-round, in many different packages, making it suitable for tailgating, lake house visiting or just grilling out.

Founder’s All Day IPA is Beverage SuperStore’s biggest seller in the IPA category by far. Now available in a 15 pack of 12 oz cans, this beer continues to dominate our beer department because of its portability and palatability.

With its sessionable alcohol content, you can have a few without feeling too full or too tipsy. Sour beers have also gained in popularity over the year. These beers can range anywhere from the slightly tangy Berliner Weisse to the puckers of Flanders style ales that will curl your toes. Creature Comforts Brewing might be best known for their Tropicalia, but if you haven’t tried the Athena, you are missing out. This light, refreshing beer has a subtle tartness from the bacteria used in the fermentation process, lending the flavor to cut through most wing sauces and help cool the palate and cleanse it for whatever is next. For the adamantly non-craft beer drinkers, a wheat beer or a Lager is always great to have around, but while they are still in stock this year, Marzen beers are hard to beat. Mostly known as Oktoberfest beers, Marzen is the style of beer that we mostly associate with fall. This dark amber beer style has a fantastic nutty quality with a slightly sweet finish because of the roasted barley used. Ayinger and Paulaner Oktoberfest are two to keep your eye out for.

These are very true-to-form as far as the quality and flavor you should expect when enjoying one out of your favorite stein while frolicking in your lederhosen. ■

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50 STATES

BY THE AGE OF 50:

A GOLFER’S MISSION ACCOMPLISHED!

THE BUZZ 74 /// PEOPLE & PLACES: ON THE SCENE 80

news and

events from in and around suwanee.

EVENT CALENDAR: THINGS TO DO IN NOV. & DEC. 86

Old-timey candy and soda shop, Rocket Fizzz opens in Suwanee FEELING NOSTALGIC FOR THE GOOD OL’ DAYS WHEN YOU COULD SWING

BY THE CORNER STORE TO PICK UP A SPECIAL SODA AND CANDY ON YOUR WAY HOME FROM SCHOOL? NOW YOU CAN RELIVE THOSE MEMORIES WITH ROCKET FIZZ, A RETRO-INSPIRED FRANCHISE OUT OF CALIFORNIA THAT RECENTLY SET UP SHOP IN SUWANEE TOWN CENTER. Story on page 76.

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Gwinnett Clean & Beautiful announce Newest Student Members of Green Youth Advisory Council ■ Gwinnett Clean & Beautiful is a Keep America Beautiful affiliate and award-winning 501(c)(3) charitable organization whose mission is to find longterm solutions to environmental and quality of life issues and to inspire and educate people to take action every day to improve and beautify their communities.

New GYAC Council Members will participate in Keep America Beautiful-sanctioned programs aimed at educating youth and changing behavior to help end littering, improve recycling, and beautify our cities. At the end of the school year, Gwinnett Clean & Beautiful will award a $1,000 postsecondary scholarship to the GYAC member who best demonstrates exceptional leadership and program development skills.

 Left to right: Malika Montgomery, Juwon Slater, Alondra Montiel, Kathy Ho, Justin Fung, Sarah Fanczi, Jasing Yang, Joshua Tyrell, Hanh Bui, Lauryn Saddler, and Jackie Sanchez.

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Gwinnett County turns 200!

■ Gwinnett County has come a long way from its humble beginnings as a mostly agrarian community in the 1800s to its current standing as the secondlargest county in the state of Georgia. Named after Button Gwinnett, one of Georgia’s three signers of the Declaration of Independence, Gwinnett County was the 50th county to be organized by the state and has grown tremendously since it was founded on December 15, 1818, reaching a population of more than 900,000 in 2016. With that kind of growth, there’s a lot for our community to reflect on.

And 2018 marks another big milestone: Gwinnett County’s bicentennial year. With a fete that huge, celebrations are in order. To mark the occasion, the

Gwinnett Historic Courthouse, Lawrenceville

Gwinnett Historical Society will host a gala on December 15, 2017. “A Frontier Affair: A Prelude to Gwinnett’s Bicentennial” requests that guests come decked out in period attire (1818-1865) to toast to the next 200 years with a silent auction, food and entertainment. The gala will kick off a yearlong schedule of events, with the revelry culminating December 15, 2018, with a celebration of community.

For more information about the Frontier Affair gala and other upcoming events celebrating Gwinnett’s bicentennial, as well as how to submit your story about living in Gwinnett, visit gwinnett200.com.

Free App provides a Visual and Audio Tour of the Suwanee SculpTour exhibit ■ Download “Otocast,” a free app that can be found in the Apple Store and Google Play, to experience an immersive, visual and audio tour of Suwanee’s SculpTour exhibit. The app lays out pins on a map that will direct the user to the exact location of each sculpture. When the pins are selected, a written description of the piece pops up along with photos and the artists’ recording about the sculpture.

Otocast encourages users to “see, hear and explore” by providing a platform for mobile, audio guides. Otocast reached out to the City of Suwanee asking to include the famed SculpTour in their app, at no cost.

The Otocast app currently has over 1,900 points of interest including public art, historic sites, murals, landmarks and architecture, encouraging people to engage with their surroundings and their communities. It’s like having a personal tour guide with you at all times.

Try a Free Aerial Fitness Class with Fit2Fly ■ Have you ever wanted to try an aerial fitness class? Now’s your chance! Maggie Hudson, owner of Fit2Fly, is offering private and semi-private “aerial fitness” classes in her home. Hudson is a certified personal trainer, group fitness instructor and health coach with more than 20 years of experience, and she enjoys the aerial arts so much that she wanted to give people in the community an opportunity to switch up their routine with a new fun workout.

The class will give people of all ages and fitness backgrounds a chance to learn aerial fitness tricks inspired by Cirque du Soleil that’ll provide total body conditioning while building strength in your upper body and core as you balance on aerial silks. If you’re interested in trying it out, Fit2Fly is currently offering free introductory classes. For more information, call 404-213-3132.

 Mr. Eggwards by Kimber Fiebiger

Swinging II by Jack Howard-Potter

FREE INTRO CLASS

AVAILABLE

Suwanee HOPE Court named Program of the Year ■ The Georgia Municipal Court Clerks’ Council recognized Suwanee Municipal Court with the distinguished Program of the Year award for Suwanee’s HOPE Court. The Program of the Year award honors municipal courts throughout the state of Georgia that are making a difference. The awards committee selected Suwanee’s HOPE Court for its efforts in educating first-time youth offenders and providing them a second chance at maintaining their driving privileges.

The first of its kind in Gwinnett County, HOPE Court provides a second chance for first-time offenders under the age of 21 who have committed lesser crimes such as speeding, texting while driving, open container, shoplifting, and drugs. These youths can plead guilty and receive a modified sentence – usually a small fine, community service, and/or attending the Teen Victim Impact Panel class at the Gwinnett County court – and have the incident wiped from their records. To date, the HOPE Court has had over 757 successful participants.

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Rocket Fizz Candy Shop opens in Suwanee Town Center ■ Feeling nostalgic for the good ol’ days when you could swing by the corner store to pick up a special soda and candy on your way home from school? Now you can relive those memories with Rocket Fizz, a retro-inspired franchise out of California that recently set up shop in Suwanee Town Center.

Step inside Rocket Fizz and take a moment to take in the sights: more than 1,000 candies fill the store, many of which are regional or hard to find, as well as 400 types of soda, including Rocket Fizz’s own custom line with crazy flavors such as Pumpkin Patch and Buffalo Wing soda.

Customers can also partake in 104 flavors of taffy ranging from classics like chocolate and banana to unusual

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flavors like buttered popcorn and maple bacon. Once you come down from your sugar high, peruse the eclectic variety of toys and gifts that are sure to take you back down memory lane.

Owner Jason Lewis is a retired police officer who made his dreams a reality when he and his wife opened Rocket Fizz in August. They were drawn to Rocket Fizz because it’s a place “that can’t help but make you smile. From the funny wall signs to the candy you haven’t seen since you were a kid, you walk in the store happy and you leave happy.”

For more information about Rocket Fizz’s Suwanee location, visit facebook.com/RocketFizzSuwaneeGA.

the buzz

Freeland Painting opens on Main Street in Suwanee â– Freeland Painting celebrated the grand opening of its new offices on historic Main Street in Old Town Suwanee with the Gwinnett Chamber of Commerce on October 11.

Founded in 2009, Freeland Painting is Swanee’s premier residential renovation company. Locally owned and operated by painting contractors who work and live in the Greater Atlanta area, their residential and commercial painters are experts who take the time to completely understand the needs of every client before beginning work on a project. Along with first-rate residential and commercial painting services they offer custom roofing, siding and gutter systems.

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50 States by the Age of 50: a Golfer’s Mission Accomplished!

■ Many people dream of visiting all 50 United States in their lifetime, but Suwanee resident and avid golfer, Scott Freed, took it one step further with a personal life goal of golfing in every state by the age of 50. Scott has been golfing since high school, but it was about ten years ago when he decided to tackle his personal mission.

His first Scott Freed at Moose Run Alaska with kids, round Troy & Erica. of golf ever was in Michigan and his final will take place in November at the Princeville Makai Golf Club in Kauai, to celebrate his 50th birthday.

Some of the most notable (and most difficult) courses he has played include Whistling Straits in Wisconsin, Pebble Beach in Monterey and Torrey Pines in San Diego. With a job that allows for a lot of travel, Scott has been able to take advantage of many business trips by taking an extra day to golf. There were several times when he would knock off two states in one day, which required a tremendous amount of commitment.

“I played two courses in one day, in Idaho and Montana, and they were three hours apart…that was a long day, but it was worth it,” he said.

“Sometimes I’ll take golf trips with friends but if I’m alone I like to get paired up with local players and meet people from each state,” he said. "My family, friends and girlfriend have all been extremely supportive. Some of the courses haven't been in typical vacation destinations but they've been great about coming along anyway or encouraging me to take the trips so that I could achieve my goal. My kids don’t play golf, but they still have fun

I played two courses in one day, in Idaho and Montana, and they were three hours apart… that was a long day, but it was worth it.

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Scott tees up on the 18th hole at Pebble Beach.

tagging along, especially when we all went to Alaska – they loved seeing the moose walking on the greens and the bald eagles flying over the course.”

In 2016 alone, Scott golfed in 15 states. Over time, his game has admittedly improved a bit, but really it’s about the experience and having fun while doing it. Scott has had the opportunity to see some of America’s most amazing landscapes, from a stunning sunset over the rocky shoreline of Monterey to breathtaking views of windswept dunes along Lake Michigan.

So, what’s next? “I think now I need to get the U.S. Territories and then start on countries or continents,” he said, with no plans of putting up the clubs anytime soon.

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citybuzz

Suwanee Fest Run

Saturday, September 9th Town Center Park

PHOTOS BY: KARL LAMB

Suwanee Business Alliance Meeting

Wednesday, September 13th Friendship Auto

PHOTOS BY: ANGELA VEUGELER

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ON THE SCENE

Suwanee Fest

Saturday, September 16th & Sunday, September 17th TOWN CENTER PARK

PHOTOS BY: KARL LAMB

VIEW MORE PEOPLE & PLACES PICS @

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Cooper O’Brien Memorial Golf Tournament

Peach State Chili Cookoff

THE RIVER CLUB

PHOTOS BY: KARL LAMB

Tuesday, September 26th

Saturday, September 30th TOWN CENTER PARK

PHOTOS BY: RACHEL PILLOW

VIEW MORE PEOPLE & PLACES PICS @

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people & places

Taste of Suwanee Saturday, October 7th TOWN CENTER PARK

PHOTOS BY: KARL LAMB

Suwanee Jazz Fest Saturday, October 14th TOWN CENTER PARK

PHOTOS BY: KARL LAMB

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Thin Mint Sprint

Saturday, October 14th TOWN CENTER PARK

PHOTOS BY: KARL LAMB

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people & places

Friends U Need 5K Run For Fun

Saturday, October 21st TOWN CENTER PARK

PHOTOS BY: KARL LAMB

ALIVE! Expo

Saturday, October 21st TOWN CENTER PARK

PHOTOS BY: KARL LAMB

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city

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THINGS TO DO THIS NOVEMBER & DECEMBER

Nov. 2017

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________________ ____ 10:00am-5:00pm ___________________

5TH ANNUAL SUWANEE WINE FEST

Town Center Park ___________________ For more information: Visit ngaa4arts.com or call 770-356-8718.

________________ ____ 1:00pm-4:30pm __________________

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Town Center Park __________________

Enjoy unlimited samples of over 150 wines, plus craft beer, college football, great food and music. Tickets available @ suwaneewinefest.com.

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SUWANEE CLASSIC CAR SHOW

DAYLIGHT SAVINGS TIME ENDS

ANNANDALE EXTRA MILE RUN/WALK 5K

173rd thru Jan.

$35 per car online at lanierislands.com, $45 at the gate.

10 20 ___________________ 5:00pm-8:00pm ___________________

City of Sugar Hill ___________________ For more information visit icerinkatsugarhill.com

suwaneemagazine.com

All proceeeds going to assist Gwinnett County Police Corporal, Michael Duncan.

Duncan is paralyzed from the waist down as a result of a police helicopter crash on September 1, 2017.

Lanier Islands

ICE RINK @ SUGAR HILL SEASON OPENS

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Town Center Park ___________________

___________________

The Extra Mile 5k Walk/Run is a fundraising and disabilities awareness campaign that benefits Annandale Village. To register, visit extramileclub.com.

Suwanee Magazine

7:30am ____________________ ____

5:00pm-10:00pm ____________________ ____

Town Center Park __________________

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KIWANIS ALL AMERICAN 5K ____________________ ____

MAGICAL NIGHTS OF____ LIGHTS ____________________

________________ ____ 8:00am __________________

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A CHRISTMAS CAROL: THE MUSICAL PRESENTED BY SUSAN CHAMBERS DANCE COMPANY

_____________________ 11:00am or 7:00pm _____________________

Infinite Energy Center ___________________ Purchase tickets @ AXS.com or at the Infinite Energy Center ticket window.

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THANKSGIVING DAY

thru

24th GWINNETT COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS THANKSGIVING BREAK

24 BLACK FRIDAY

Dec. 2017

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TAC-KY CHRISTMAS SWEATER EXTRAVAGANZA

________________ ________ 8:00pm ______________________

Sylvia Beard Theater, Buford Community Center ______________________ The Actor’s Company shares the fun side of Christmas with this side-splitting improv show. Tickets available at SuwaneePerforms.com.

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JOLLY HOLLY _DAY _____________ _ __ 6:30pm _______________

Town Center Park

A Suwanee holiday tradition returns! The whole family will enjoy holiday tunes, craft activities, free hot chocolate, cookies, and s’mores! Of course, the jolly ol’ elf himself will be the guest of honor and will magically light the Christmas tree at Town Center Park.

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SUWANEE ACADEMY OF THE ARTS GINGERBREAD HOUSE CONTEST

___________________ __ __ 8:00pm _____________________

Suwanee Academy of the Arts _____________________

Gingerbread house entries due Sunday, December 3 and will be displayed throughout the week. Drop by any time during the week and vote for your favorite.

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THE CITY OF SUGAR HILL’S ANNUAL HOLIDAY CELEBRATION

__________ _____________________________ __ 5:30pm-8:30pm _______________________________________

Downtown Sugar Hill _________ _______________________________ Pictures with Santa, holiday market, tree lighting, food vendors, live music, visit from the Grinch, coat drive, ice rink, winter wonderland with snow.

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PET LOSS SUPPORT GROUP

__________ _________________ 6:30pm–7:30pm __________________________

Sugar Hill _Animal Hospital _________ _________________ Visit NotJustAPet.org for more information.

9

NUTCRACKER TEA

__________ _____________ __ 11:00am and 3:00pm _______________________

Main Street Playhouse at Suwanee Academy of the Arts _______________ _________

Tickets available at SuwaneePerforms.com.

2

BEST OF THE NUTCRACKER

__________ ________ __ 11:00am, 3:00pm and 6:00pm __________________

Sylvia Beard Theater, Buford Community Center __________________ Tickets available at SuwaneePerforms.com.

21

thru Jan. 3rd GWINNETT COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS CHRISTMAS BREAK

25 CHRISTMAS DAY

88

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Suwanee Magazine

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suwaneemagazine.com

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NOV / DEC 17

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NEW YEARS EVE